How to pull off skinny jeans

Slim jeans are cool, but you don’t want to match your girlfriend’s look. From how to wear them formally to finding the right fit, here’s your ultimate skinny jeans cheat sheet, modelled by DJ & music producer Anish Sood.

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Image: Prabhat Shetty

Finally, what’s a good fit?

Skinny. Not spandex. The right jeans are cut close to the body – notably around the thighs, knees and calves – but loosen up slightly around the ankles. The friction of fabric against your calves might take getting used to, but your pair will fit like a second skin in no time. But, as Sood cautions, “Don’t go crazy skinny with your jeans. You don’t want them to look like jeggings.”

At GQ, we’re big fans of the Thom Browne leg and don’t shy away from showing a bit of ankle every now and again. Roll the hem up and check: Is there a piping detail or an interesting stitch line that could add a new visual dimension to your jeans? If yes, two rolls should do the job. Wear quirky socks for added punch.

Keep the colour dark and the finish slick. Distressed treatments or aged washes are a no-no. As are trainers or plimsolls. The rest of the ensemble should be sharp. As Sood says: “For a formal do, I’d wear my dark skinny jeans with a blazer and a tie.”

Definitely. Replace your churidar with skinny jeans for a contemporary take on Indianwear. Pair them with a printed kurta for a casual brunch, or an embroidered ivory kurta under a cotton or linen blazer for a formal event.

Definitely. Replace your churidar with skinny jeans for a contemporary take on Indianwear. Pair them with a printed kurta for a casual brunch, or an embroidered ivory kurta under a cotton or linen blazer for a formal event.